This Week in ICT & Cybersecurity — Brussels (#14, 2026)
EP committees debate digital rights in gaming; AI’s role in democracy and trade; Council focuses on bank cyber resilience; New opinions on Connecting Europe Facility.
April 12, 2026 to April 18, 2026
EP committees debate digital rights in gaming; AI’s role in democracy and trade; Council focuses on bank cyber resilience; New opinions on Connecting Europe Facility.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 📅 This Week's Calendar in Brussels
• 🤝 EU Council
• ✒️ EP Committee Work
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week
This Week's Calendar in Brussels
- Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE): On April 20, the European Parliament's Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: Chair’s announcements; Date of next meetings; Structured dialogue with Andrius Kubilius, Commissioner for Defence and Space.
- Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE): On April 20, the European Parliament's Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: * * *; Chair’s announcements; Chair’s announcements concerning coordinators’ decisions.
EU Council
Eurogroup discusses bank cybersecurity and AI resilience
At the 4 May 2026 Eurogroup meeting, ministers evaluated the economic fallout from the Middle East conflict and considered possible policy responses. In a separate session, the Chairs of the Single Supervisory Mechanism and the Single Resolution Board updated ministers on the operational resilience of EU banks, focusing on cybersecurity challenges and the adoption of artificial intelligence. The discussion included recent cyber incidents targeting the financial sector and the state of AI-enabled risk management tools.
EP Committee Work
Public hearing: 'Stop Destroying Videogames' – consumer rights and digital obsolescence
On 16 April 2026, the IMCO, JURI, and PETI Committees jointly held a public hearing on the European Citizens’ Initiative 'Stop Destroying Videogames'. Organisers called for rules to ensure that video games sold in the EU remain playable after official support ends, addressing concerns around digital ownership, planned obsolescence, and consumer rights. Lawmakers and Commission representatives discussed contractual practices, EU consumer law, and gaps in current regulation, with attention to the right to repair and the transparency of end-user license agreements.
INTA Committee votes on AI strategy for EU trade and reviews global trade relations
The International Trade Committee (INTA) met on 15–16 April 2026 to vote on a draft own-initiative report regarding a comprehensive artificial intelligence strategy for EU trade, examining both opportunities and challenges. Members reviewed the conclusion of negotiations for the EU-Australia Trade Agreement, outcomes of the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference, and debated the EU-Mexico Modernised Global Agreement. Discussions included the impact of US tariffs on EU exports and a public hearing on EU-China trade and investment relations.
Constitutional Affairs Committee examines AI’s impact on democracy and global governance
The AFCO Committee hosted an Interparliamentary Committee Meeting on 14 April 2026, focusing on the institutional aspects of artificial intelligence within European integration. Discussions addressed the potential for an international convention on AI, the impact on elections, and the need for parliamentary engagement in AI governance. Speakers included Committee Chair Sven Simon, EP President Roberta Metsola, Commission EVP Henna Virkkunen, and UN Under-Secretary-General Amandeep Singh Gill, who highlighted Europe's regulatory approach and the importance of international cooperation.
SEDE and REGI Committees issue opinions on Connecting Europe Facility and defence innovation
On 16–17 April 2026, the Subcommittee on Security and Defence (SEDE) and the Committee on Regional Development (REGI) published opinions on the proposal to establish the Connecting Europe Facility for 2028–2034, amending Regulation (EU) 2024/1679 and repealing Regulation (EU) 2021/1153. Rapporteurs Antonella Sberna (REGI) and Petras Auštrevičius (SEDE) contributed to the legislative process. SEDE also issued an opinion on the proposed European Competitiveness Fund, which includes a specific programme for defence research and innovation, repealing several existing regulations.
www.europarl.europa.eu | www.europarl.europa.eu | www.europarl.europa.eu
What We're Reading This Week
- Germany's intelligence agency warns of espionage and sabotage: Germany's security services urge vigilance as foreign actors increase efforts to spy on and disrupt critical infrastructure.
- Berlin and Kyiv seal sweeping pact on drones, data and missiles: Germany and Ukraine have entered a comprehensive agreement to boost cooperation on drone technology, data sharing, and missile capabilities.
- The Commission’s deep digital dive: EU officials intensify efforts to regulate tech platforms, aiming for greater oversight and digital market fairness.
- Brussels launched an age checking app. Hackers say it takes 2 minutes to break it.: Security experts warn Brussels’ new age verification app is easily bypassed, raising concerns over user data protection and effectiveness.
- Germany's intelligence agency warns of espionage and sabotage: German officials alert businesses and government to heightened risks of foreign spying and disruptive cyberattacks.
